CN114521134A

CN114521134A - Oral treatment device and kit

Info

Publication number: CN114521134A
Application number: CN202080069054.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃林·斯派克; 莱顿·戴维斯-史密斯
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2020-09-17
Publication date: 2022-05-20
Also published as: WO2021067985A1; EP4037606A1; US20210100645A1; US11304789B2; AU2020360254A1

Abstract

An oral treatment device includes a power component and a tray component that are removably coupled together. The power component may include a housing having a cavity and a power source located in the cavity. The tray component may include a teeth receiving channel and may have a first electrode and a second electrode located on opposite sides of the teeth receiving channel. The tray component may be detachably coupled to the power component in the following configuration: (1) a first configuration whereby the first electrode is operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source; and (2) a second configuration whereby the first electrode is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

Description

Oral treatment device and kit

Background

Tray-based oral treatment systems have been developed to whiten teeth and to complete other oral treatments that can be done at home or in a hospital clinic. For example, some of these trays emit electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical current into the tooth-receiving channels of the tray to enhance the treatment performed with a particular oral composition. However, consumers typically must purchase a different tray system for each treatment desired, which can become expensive. Accordingly, there is a need for a tray-based treatment system that can perform different treatments with one device.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the invention can be an oral treatment device comprising: a power component including a housing having a cavity and a power source located in the cavity; a tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel, a first electrode operatively coupled to a first electrical contact, and a second electrode operatively coupled to a second electrical contact, the first and second electrodes being located on opposite sides of the tooth-receiving channel; and wherein the tray component is detachably coupled to the power component in: (1) a first configuration whereby the first electrical contact is operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source and the second electrical contact is operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source; and (2) a second configuration whereby the first electrical contact is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrical contact is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

In another aspect, the present invention may be an oral treatment device comprising a tray member, an electric power member, the tray member comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode located on opposite sides of the teeth-receiving channel; a first connection member comprising a first mechanical connector and a first electrical contact operatively coupled to the first electrode; and a second connection member comprising a second mechanical connector and a second electrical contact operatively coupled to the second electrode; the power component includes: a cavity that houses a power source; a third connection member comprising a third mechanical connector and a third electrical contact operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source; and a fourth connection member comprising a third mechanical connector and a fourth electrical contact operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source; wherein the tray component and the power component are removably coupled together and changeable between: (1) a first attachment configuration whereby (a) the first connection member mates with the third connection member such that the first mechanical connector and the third mechanical connector are coupled together and the first electrical contact is in contact with the third electrical contact to couple the first electrode to the positive terminal of the power source, and (b) the second connection member mates with a fourth connection member such that the second mechanical connector and the fourth mechanical connector are coupled together and the second electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are in contact to couple the second electrode to the negative terminal of the power source; (2) a second attachment configuration whereby (a) the first connection member mates with a fourth connection member such that the first mechanical connector and the fourth mechanical connector are coupled together and the first electrical contact is in contact with the fourth electrical contact to couple the first electrode to the negative terminal of the power source, and (b) the second connection member mates with the third connection member such that the second mechanical connector and the third mechanical connector are coupled together and the second electrical contact is in contact with the third electrical contact to couple the second electrode to the positive terminal of the power source; and (3) a disassembled configuration whereby the tray component and the power component are separated from each other.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be an oral treatment kit comprising: a power component comprising a housing having a cavity and a power source located in the cavity, the power source comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a first tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel defined between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, a first electrode positioned along the inner sidewall, and a second electrode positioned along the outer sidewall; and a second tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel defined between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, a first electrode positioned along the inner sidewall, and a second electrode positioned along the outer sidewall; wherein at least one of the following is present: the first electrode of the first tray component is formed of a different material than the first electrode of the second tray component, and the second electrode of the second tray component is formed of a different material than the second electrode of the second tray component; wherein the first tray component is detachably coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to one of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the other of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power source; and wherein the second tray component is detachably coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to one of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the other of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power source.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an oral treatment device having a tray component and an electrical component in a first assembled configuration;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the oral treatment device of FIG. 1 in a disassembled configuration;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the oral treatment device of FIG. 1 in a disassembled configuration;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of the oral treatment device of fig. 4, wherein the power component has been rotated 180 ° relative to the tray component;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of the oral treatment device of fig. 1 in a second assembled configuration;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of the oral treatment device of fig. 1, showing the polarity of the electrodes of the tray component when in a first assembled configuration;

fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of the oral treatment device of fig. 1, showing the polarity of the electrodes of the tray component when in a second assembled configuration; and

fig. 10 is a perspective view of an oral treatment kit containing a power component and two different tray components detachable therefrom.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of the exemplary embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only intended for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless specifically stated to the contrary. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Further, the features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. Thus, the invention should obviously not be limited to such exemplary embodiments showing some possible non-limiting combinations of features which may be present alone or in other feature combinations; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

In embodiments, the present invention may relate to a modular, electrically powered tray that is divided into two removable components (a power component and a tray component) such that different tray components may be coupled to a common power component in different orientations for different oral care applications. The tray member inserted into the user's mouth contains electrodes of various metallic materials depending on the targeted benefits. For example, trays with titanium electrodes are used for whitening applications, trays with one or more zinc electrodes are used for anti-bacterial, etc. During treatment, electrodes are positioned on either side of the tooth surface. The polarity of the electrodes is important for each oral care application, as it drives the direction of the chemical reaction, which may vary from oral care indication to oral care indication. For example, it is desirable for whitening to occur on the outer surface of the teeth, but when targeting antibacterial reduction, it is desirable to target the back of the teeth because more bacteria are located near the tongue. Thus, a tray with a titanium electrode may require polarity in one direction, while a tray with a zinc electrode may require polarity in another direction.

The power component described in some embodiments of the invention may include two ports, one positive and one negative, that are to be electrically connected with an electrode connector that is part of the tray component (although in other embodiments the ports may be in the tray component and the power component may have the electrode connectors). The tray component can be connected to the power component in either orientation, depending on the user's target indication, and this orientation will drive the polarity of the electrodes and thus the direction of reaction. One benefit of the present invention is that one power component contains the battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) and electronic components of the device, which can be used in conjunction with multiple tray components depending on the benefit sought by the user. In addition, since some oral care indications require changing the polarity of the electrodes, this can be controlled at the point of user interaction rather than software changes that may be required if the tray component is a single component. The present invention makes it easier to address different oral care issues with one power component and different tray components, and it also reduces manufacturing complexity because the oral trays can all be made with different electrode materials in the same design.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3 together, an oral treatment device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The oral treatment device 1000 generally includes a power component 100 and a tray component 200. The power component 100 and the tray component 200 are removably coupled together and are shown in a first assembled configuration in fig. 1 and in a disassembled configuration in fig. 3. The power component 100 can form a handle for the oral treatment device 1000 and the tray component 200 can be part of the oral treatment device 1000 that is placed in the user's mouth for treatment. Details of the manner in which the power member 100 and the tray member 200 are attached/detached to/from each other will be described in more detail below.

The power component 100 includes a housing 110 having an outer surface 111. In addition, the housing 110 has or defines a cavity 112 within which one or more electrical components may be located. In the exemplary embodiment, power component 100 includes a power source 120 and an electronic circuit 121 operatively coupled to the power source. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry 121 may include one or more of a controller/processor, memory, indicators such as light emitting diodes, switches, timers, and the like. Further, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the electronic circuitry 121 may be omitted, as in its broadest sense, only the power source and the electrical components of the tray component 200 described below may be required for operation of the oral treatment device 1000.

The outer surface 111 of the case 110 includes a first engagement surface 113 that is a portion that contacts/engages the outer surface 111 of the case 110 of the tray member 200 when the power member 100 is coupled to the tray member 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the first engagement surface 113 has a concave shape. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments, and in other embodiments, the first engagement surface 113 may be planar/flat/straight, convex, contoured, or the like, so long as it is configured to mate with an engagement surface of the tray component 200 described below. Additionally, it should be noted that the particular shape of the housing 110 does not limit the invention described herein. The power component 100 remains outside of the user's mouth at all times and therefore does not need to have a particular shape to interact with portions of the mouth. Indeed, the power component 100 contains only electronic components (i.e., the power source 120 and any other electronic components, such as electronic components that are part of the electronic circuit 121) to facilitate powering the electrodes of the tray component 200.

The power component 100 includes a third connecting member 130 and a fourth connecting member 140 that facilitate mechanically and electrically coupling the power component 100 to the tray component 200. The third connection member 130 includes a third mechanical connector 131 and a third electrical contact 132. The fourth connection member 140 comprises a fourth mechanical connector 141 and a fourth electrical contact 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the third mechanical connector 131 is a cavity or recess 137 and the fourth

mechanical connector

131, 141 is a cavity or recess 147 formed in the first engagement surface 113 of the housing 110. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments. Indeed, in other embodiments, the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 may be ridges, threads, straps, hooks, fasteners, bolts, plates, combinations thereof, and the like. Basically, the third mechanical connector 131 and the fourth mechanical connector 141 may take any structural configuration as long as they are configured to mate with the mechanical connector of the tray component 200 to facilitate coupling the power component 100 to the tray component 200.

As noted above, in the exemplary embodiment, third mechanical connector 131 and fourth mechanical connector 141 are

cavities

137, 147. To this end, the third mechanical connector 131 comprises a bottom 133 and a sidewall 134 extending from the bottom 133 to an opening 135 in the first engagement surface 113 of the housing 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 137 of the third mechanical connector 131 includes a locking feature 136. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking feature 136 is a locking ridge extending from the sidewall 134 that helps lock the tray component 200 to the power component 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking ridge is an annular feature, but need not be so in all embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the locking ridge may be formed by a plurality of spaced apart ridges. Still further, in other embodiments, the locking feature 136 may be a locking recess, so long as it is configured to interact with the locking feature of the tray component 200 described below.

Similarly, the fourth mechanical connector 141 includes a bottom 143 and a sidewall 144 extending from the bottom 143 to an opening 145 in the first engagement surface 113 of the housing 111. In the exemplary embodiment, cavity 147 of fourth mechanical connector 141 includes locking feature 146. In the exemplary embodiment, locking feature 146 includes a locking ridge extending from sidewall 144 that facilitates locking tray component 200 to power component 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking ridge is an annular feature, but need not be so in all embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the locking ridge may be formed by a plurality of spaced apart ridges. Still further, in other embodiments, the locking feature 146 may be a locking recess, so long as it is configured to interact with the locking feature of the fence member 200 described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, third electrical contact 132 is positioned within a cavity 137 that forms third mechanical connector 131. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, third electrical contact 132 is located on a bottom portion 133 of third mechanical connector 131. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments, the third electrical contact 132 may be located on the sidewall 134. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, third electrical contact 132 is depicted as a flat plate-like member. However, the third electrical contact 132 may take other structural configurations, including extending vertically from the bottom 133 similar to a pin, to facilitate engagement with the electrical contact of the tray member 200, as described in more detail below.

The third electrical contact 132 is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source 120. In the exemplary embodiment, this is shown as being accomplished by a wire coupled to the positive terminal of power source 120 and to third electrical contact 132. The third electrical contact 132 is formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and essentially acts as a positive terminal for the power source 120 as it is coupled thereto.

In the exemplary embodiment, fourth electrical contact 142 is positioned within a cavity 147 that forms fourth mechanical connector 141. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, fourth electrical contact 142 is located on a bottom 143 of fourth mechanical connector 141. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments the fourth electrical connector 142 may be located on the sidewall 144. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, fourth electrical contact 142 is depicted as a flat plate-like member. However, the fourth electrical contact 142 may take other structural configurations, including extending vertically from the bottom 143 similar to a pin to facilitate engagement with an electrical contact of the tray member 200, as described in more detail below.

The fourth electrical contact 142 is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 120. In the exemplary embodiment, this is shown as being accomplished by a wire coupled to the negative terminal of power source 120 and to fourth electrical contact 142. Fourth electrical contact 142 is formed from a conductive material, such as a metal, and essentially serves as the negative terminal of power source 120 as it is coupled thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, power component 100 includes an actuator 150 located on an outer surface 111 of housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 150 is a depressible button, but it may be a slide switch, a conductive switch, or any other type of mechanism as may be desired. The actuator 150 is operatively coupled to the power source 120 such that when the tray component 200 is coupled to the power component 100, actuation of the actuator 150 causes the power source 120 to transmit power to the tray component 200 (and in particular, to the electrodes thereof as described below), as described below.

The tray component 200 is the portion of the oral treatment device 1000 that is intended to be placed within the user's mouth during treatment. Accordingly, the tray component 200 is preferably formed at least in part from a malleable or flexible or rubber-like material to enhance comfort when worn by a user. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the tray member 200 may be formed of a rigid material such as plastic, metal, or the like. In some embodiments, the tray member 200 can include a rigid core and a soft or flexible covering over a portion or the entire rigid core, the covering being formed of a rubber-like material such as a thermoplastic elastomer.

The tray component 200 includes a base 201 that forms a mating surface of the tray component 200, an inner sidewall 202 extending from the base 201, and an outer sidewall 203 extending from the base 201. The inner and outer sidewalls 202 are spaced apart from each other by the base 202 such that the inner and outer sidewalls 202 extend from opposite ends of the base. The bottom 201, inner side wall 202 and outer side wall 203 collectively form a tooth-receiving channel 204 of the tray member 200 within which the user's teeth are positioned during treatment.

In an exemplary embodiment, both inner sidewall 202 and outer sidewall 203 extend upward from bottom 201 and downward from bottom 201, as perhaps best seen in fig. 3. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, tray component 200 includes an upper tooth receiving channel (which is tooth receiving channel 204) and a lower tooth receiving channel 205. This enables the tray component 200 to be positioned within the oral cavity with the user's upper teeth positioned within the upper teeth receiving channel 204 and the user's lower teeth simultaneously positioned within the lower teeth receiving channel 205 (or vice versa). However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the tray component 200 can include only one of the tooth-receiving

channels

204, 205, such that the inner and

outer side walls

202, 203 can extend from the bottom 201 in only one direction.

Tray component 200 includes a first electrode 210 positioned along inner sidewall 202 along upper tooth receiving channel 204 and a second electrode 211 positioned along outer sidewall 203. The tray component 200 also includes a first electrode 212 positioned along the inner sidewall 202 along the lower tooth receiving channel 204 and a second electrode 213 positioned along the outer sidewall 203. Thus, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211 are located on opposite sides of the upper tooth receiving channel 204, and the first electrode 212 and the second electrode 213 are located on opposite sides of the lower tooth receiving channel 205. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the lower tooth receiving channel 205 may be omitted.

The first and

second electrodes

210, 211, 212, 213 may be formed of any of a number of different materials depending on their end use. For example, if the first and

second electrodes

210, 211, 212, 213 are to be used for tooth whitening treatment, the electrodes may be formed of titanium, and if the first and

second electrodes

210, 211, 212, 213 are to be used for antibacterial treatment, the electrodes may be formed of zinc. In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the first and

second electrodes

210, 211, 212, 213 are shown exposed to the

tooth receiving channels

204, 205. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments the first and

second electrodes

210, 211, 212, 213 may be embedded within one of the inner sidewall 202 and the outer sidewall 203.

Although titanium and zinc are two potential materials for the electrodes, in other embodiments, other materials may be used depending on the desired treatment. The table provided below indicates some additional electrode materials that may be used with oral care compositions that may be used in conjunction with those electrodes and indications or ongoing treatments. It should be noted that in the table provided below, platinum may be substituted for platinized titanium (PtTi) for all indications.

In some embodiments, the material of the first and

second electrodes

210, 211 on opposite sides of the upper tooth receiving channel 204 may be different than the material of the first and

second electrodes

212, 213 on opposite sides of the lower tooth receiving channel 205. Thus, for example, the first and

second electrodes

210 and 211 may be formed of titanium and used for whitening, and the first and

second electrodes

212 and 213 may be formed of zinc and used for antibacterial treatment. Thus, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211 may require different polarities than the first electrode 212 and the second electrode 213, and this may be achieved by the invention described herein.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, the surface of the outer side wall 203 of the tray component 200 facing away from the tooth-receiving

channels

204, 205 forms the rear surface 206 of the tray component 200. Further, the tray component 200 includes a connection feature 207 that protrudes from a rear surface 206 of the tray component 200. The ends of the connection features 207 form a second engagement surface 208 of the tray component 200. The second engagement surface 208 of the tray component 200 is configured to dock, mate, or otherwise interact with the first engagement surface 113 of the power component 100 when the tray component 200 is coupled to the power component 100. To this end, in the exemplary embodiment, second engagement surface 208 is concave to mate with the convex shape of first engagement surface 113 of power component 100. However, the shape of the second engagement surface 208 may change to match or correspond to the shape of the first engagement surface 113.

The tray component 200 further includes a first connecting member 220 and a second connecting member 240. The first and

second connection members

220, 240 are configured to mate with the third and

fourth connection members

130, 140 of the power component 100 to facilitate mechanically and electrically coupling the tray component 200 to the power component 100. To this end, the first connection member 220 includes a first mechanical connector 221 and a first electrical contact 222, and the second connection member 240 includes a second mechanical connector 241 and a second electrical contact 242. First electrical contact 222 is operatively coupled to first electrode 210, and second electrical contact 242 is operatively coupled to second electrode 211. In an exemplary embodiment, this is accomplished with conductive wires, but other techniques may be used, including having the first and second

electrical contacts

222, 242 extend directly from the first and

second electrodes

210, 211, etc.

As will be described further below, the first mechanical connector 221 of the tray component 200 mates with one of the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 of the power component 100, and the second mechanical connector 241 of the tray component 200 mates with the other of the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 of the power component 100, thereby physically or mechanically coupling the tray component 200 to the power component 100. Further, when the first and second

mechanical connectors

221 and 241 of the tray part 200 are mated with the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131 and 141 of the power part 100, the first and second

electrical contacts

222 and 242 of the tray part 200 are brought into contact with the third and fourth

electrical contacts

132 and 142 of the power part 100. This also operably couples the first and

second electrodes

210, 211 with the power source 120 because the third and fourth

electrical contacts

132, 142 of the power component 100 are operably coupled to the power source 120 and the first and second

electrical contacts

222, 242 of the tray component 200 are operably coupled to the first and

second electrodes

210, 211.

In the exemplary embodiment, first mechanical connector 221 includes a first bump 223 that protrudes from second engagement surface 208 of tray component 200. Similarly, the second mechanical connector 241 includes a second protuberance 243 protruding from the second engagement surface 208 of the tray component 200. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, first electrical contact 222 is located on first bump 223 and second electrical contact 242 is located on second bump 243. More specifically, first electrical contact 222 is exposed at distal end 224 of first bump 223, and second electrical contact 242 is exposed at distal end 244 of second bump 243. In the exemplary embodiment, an outer surface of first electrical contact 222 is flush with distal end 224 of first bump 223 and an outer surface of second electrical contact 242 is flush with distal end 244 of second bump 243. However, in other embodiments, the first and second

electrical contacts

222, 242 may be recessed relative to the distal ends 224, 244 of the first and second raised

portions

223, 243. The exact location and positioning of the first and second

electrical contacts

222, 242 along the raised

portions

223, 243 is not limiting of the invention as long as the first and second

electrical contacts

222, 242 of the tray component 200 are in contact with the third and fourth electrical contacts 122, 132 of the power component 100 when the tray component 200 is coupled to the power component 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, first raised portion 223 includes a locking feature 225 formed thereon, and second raised portion 243 includes a locking feature 245 formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking features 225, 245 are recesses. Thus, the locking features 225, 245 are configured to mate with the locking features 136, 146 of the power component 100 to facilitate maintaining the power component 100 and the tray component 200 in an attached state when so desired. Although in the exemplary embodiment the locking features 225, 245 of the first and second

mechanical connectors

221, 241 of the tray component 200 are recesses and the locking features 136, 146 of the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 of the power component 100 are bumps, this may be reversed in other embodiments (i.e., the locking bumps may be formed on the first and second

mechanical connectors

221, 241 of the tray component 200 and the locking recesses may be formed on the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 of the power component 100).

Other structural configurations are possible to lock the first 221 and second 241 mechanical connectors of the tray component 200 to the third 131 and fourth 141 mechanical connectors of the power component 100. In some embodiments, the locking features 136, 146, 225, 245 may be omitted, and the coupling between the tray component 200 and the power component 100 may be achieved by an interference or friction-type fit between the first and second

mechanical connectors

221, 241 and the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141.

Further, although in the exemplary embodiment, the first and second

mechanical connectors

221, 241 of the tray component 200 include raised portions (i.e., first and second raised portions 223, 243) and the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 of the power component 100 include cavities or recesses 137, 147, in other embodiments, this may be reversed. Thus, the first 221 and second 241 mechanical connectors of the tray part 200 may comprise cavities or recesses, while the third 131 and fourth 141 mechanical connectors of the power part 100 comprise ridges that mate with said cavities or recesses. While in other embodiments, the first 221, second 241, third 131 and fourth 141 mechanical connectors may include interlocking features that are coupled together by a sliding action and need not include mating ridges and cavities/recesses in all embodiments. The first 221, second 241, third 131 and fourth 141 mechanical connectors may comprise hooking elements, adhesives, shackles, bolts and mating openings, mating threads, etc. Further, in the exemplary embodiment where the first 221, second 241, third 131 and fourth 141 mechanical connectors are bumps and cavities, the mechanical connectors are shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and this shape may be a polygon as long as the shapes correspond to each other to facilitate coupling.

In fig. 1 and 2, the oral treatment device 1000 is depicted in a first attached configuration whereby the tray component 200 is coupled to the power component 100. In this arrangement, the first connecting member 220 of the tray part 200 mates with the third connecting member 130 of the power component 100, while the second connecting member 240 of the tray part 200 simultaneously mates with the fourth connecting member 140 of the power component 100. Specifically, the first mechanical connector 221 of the tray part 200 mechanically mates with the third mechanical connector 131 of the power part 100. And more specifically, in this embodiment, the ridge 223 of the first mechanical connector 221 of the tray component 200 is seated within the cavity/recess 137 of the third mechanical connector 131 of the power component 100. Similarly, the second mechanical connector 241 of the tray component 200 mechanically mates with the fourth mechanical connector 141 of the power component 100. And more specifically, in this embodiment, the raised portion 243 of the second connecting member 241 of the tray component 200 is seated within the cavity/recess 147 of the fourth mechanical connector 141 of the power component 100.

When the first and third

mechanical connectors

221 and 131 and the second and fourth

mechanical connectors

241 and 141 are physically/mechanically coupled together in this manner, there is also coupling among/between the electrical contacts. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, coupling the first and third

mechanical connectors

221 and 131 together also brings the first electrical contact 222 of the tray component 200 into contact with the third electrical contact 132 of the power component 100. Further, since the first electrical contact 222 is operatively coupled to the first electrode 210 and the third electrical contact 132 is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source 120, such contact between the first electrical contact 222 and the third electrical contact 132 operatively couples the first electrode 210 to the positive terminal of the power source 120.

Further, coupling the second mechanical connector 241 and the fourth mechanical connector 141 together also brings the second electrical contact 242 of the tray component 200 into contact with the fourth electrical contact 142 of the power component 100. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, coupling the second mechanical connector 241 and the fourth mechanical connector 141 together also brings the second electrical contact 242 of the tray component 200 into contact with the fourth electrical contact 142 of the power component 100. Moreover, since the second electrical contact 242 is operatively coupled to the second electrode 211 and the fourth electrical contact 142 is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 120, such contact between the second and fourth

electrical contacts

242, 142 operatively couples the second electrode 211 to the negative terminal of the power source 120.

As noted above, the oral treatment device 1000 is configured to be modular. According to the present invention, this means that the tray part 200 may also be coupled to the power part 100 via the engagement between the first connecting member 220 and the fourth connecting member 130 and the engagement between the second connecting member 240 and the third connecting member 140. Such modification of the coupling will cause a change/reversal of the polarity of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211. Specifically, when the tray component 200 is coupled to the power component 100 in the manner described above, the first electrode 210 is coupled to the positive terminal of the power source 120 and the second electrode 211 is coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 120. When the first connecting member 220 is coupled with the fourth connecting member 130 and the second connecting member 240 is coupled with the third connecting member 140, the first electrode 210 is coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 120 and the second electrode 211 is coupled to the positive terminal of the power source 120. Thus, depending on the treatment being performed and the polarity of the

electrodes

210, 211 required for that treatment, the user can simply flip one of the tray component 200 and the housing component 100 relative to the other and reconnect them very easily in the second assembled configuration.

To this end, and with initial reference to fig. 4, the oral treatment device 1000 can be changed from a first assembled configuration (fig. 1) to a second assembled configuration (fig. 6). The first step in this process is to separate the tray component 200 from the power component 100, which is shown in fig. 4. As indicated by the arrows, the power component 100 is pulled away from the tray component 200 with only sufficient force to separate the first and second

mechanical connectors

221, 241 from the third and fourth

mechanical connectors

131, 141 to separate the power component 100 from the tray component 200. Next, the tray member 200 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the power member 100, or the power member 100 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the tray member 200. In fig. 4, the rotational arrows are indicated in relation to the power components 100 such that the power components 100 are one of the rotations, but the present invention does not require this and either the tray component 200 or the power components 100 can be rotated relative to the other.

Referring to fig. 5, an oral treatment device 1000 is shown in which the power component 100 has been rotated 180 ° relative to the tray component 200. In fig. 5, the bottom surface of the power component 100 is visible, while in fig. 1 and 4, the top surface of the power component 100 is visible, thus indicating that the power component 100 has been rotated. As shown in fig. 5, the next step in the process is to reattach the power component 100 to the tray component 200 by moving the power component 100 and the tray component 200 toward each other until the first and

second connection members

220, 240 of the tray component 200 engage or mate with the third and fourth connection members 130, 140 (shown in phantom) of the power component 100. However, since the power component 100 has been rotated relative to the tray component 200, now the first connecting member 220 of the tray component 200 will mate with the fourth connecting member 140 of the power component 100, while the second connecting member 240 of the tray component 200 will mate with the third connecting member 130 of the power component. This change will also cause a reversal of the polarity of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, an oral treatment device 1000 is shown in a second set of configurations. As noted above, in the second set of assembly positions, the first connecting member 220 of the tray component 200 will mate with the fourth connecting member 140 of the power component 100, while the second connecting member 240 of the tray component 200 will mate with the third connecting member 130 of the power component. Accordingly, the first contact element 222 of the tray component 200 contacts the fourth contact element 142 of the power component 100, thereby operably coupling the first electrode 210 to the negative terminal of the power source 120. Similarly, the second contact element 242 of the tray component 200 contacts the third contact element 132 of the power component 100, thereby operably coupling the second electrode 211 to the positive terminal of the power source 120. Thus, the polarities of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211 have been reversed compared to the first set of arrangement shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 7 and 8 schematically show the tray component 200 and the power component 100 in a disassembled state but ready to be coupled into one of a first attachment configuration and a second attachment configuration. Specifically, in fig. 7, after the tray component 200 and the power component 100 are attached, the first electrode 210 will be operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode 211 will be operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source. In fig. 8, after the tray component 200 and the power component 100 are attached, the first electrode 210 will be operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode 211 will be operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source. Thus, again, this indicates that by rotating one of the power component 100 and the tray component 200 relative to the other, the power component 100 and the tray component 200 can be coupled together in two different configurations, which can reverse the polarity of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 211.

Referring now to fig. 10, an oral treatment kit 2000 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The oral treatment kit 2000 generally includes the power component 100 described above, a first tray component 300 that is identical to the tray component 200 described above, and a second tray component 400 that is identical to the tray component 200 described above. The first tray member 300 and the second tray member 400 are identical in structure, the only difference being that they may contain electrodes having different materials. For the sake of brevity, structural details of the power component 100 and the first and

second tray components

300 and 400 will not be described herein, it being understood that the description of the power component 100 provided above and the description of the tray component 200 described above apply.

In this embodiment, first tray component 300 and second tray component 400 are each configured to mechanically/physically and electronically couple to power component 100 in exactly the same manner as described above. Thus, mechanically coupling first tray component 300 or second tray component 400 to power component 100 also causes an electrode of first tray component 300 or second tray component 400 to be operably coupled to a power source of power component 100.

The first tray component 300 includes an inner sidewall 302, an outer sidewall 303, and an upper tooth receiving cavity 304 defined therebetween. In addition, the first tray component 300 includes a first electrode 310 positioned along the inner sidewall 302 and a second electrode 311 positioned along the outer sidewall 303, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 311 being located on opposite sides of the upper tooth receiving channel 304 (and may also include electrodes located on opposite sides of the lower tooth receiving channel as described above).

The second tray member 400 includes an inner sidewall 402, an outer sidewall 403, and an upper tooth receiving cavity 404 defined therebetween. In addition, the second tray component 400 includes a first electrode 310 positioned along the inner sidewall 402 and a second electrode 411 positioned along the outer sidewall 303, the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 411 being located on opposite sides of the upper dental receiving channel 404 (and as described above may also include electrodes located on opposite sides of the lower dental receiving channel).

In some embodiments, the first and

second electrodes

310 and 311 of the first tray part 300 may be formed of a first material, and the first and

second electrodes

410 and 411 of the second tray part 400 may be formed of a second material different from the first material. For example, the first material may be titanium and the second material may be zinc. Of course, in other embodiments, other materials may be used. Thus, both the first tray component 300 and the second tray component 400 can be used with the power component 100 to provide different treatments to the user during the treatment based on the material of the electrodes and the type of oral treatment composition placed in the respective tooth receiving channels. Furthermore, in still other embodiments, the first and

second electrodes

310, 311 of the first tray part 300 may be formed of the same material as the first and

second electrodes

410, 411 of the second tray part 400, such that the same power part 100 may be used for two

tray parts

300, 400 that are the same but belong to different users.

The first tray member 300 includes: a first connection member 320 including a first mechanical connector 321 and a first electrical contact 322; and a second connection member 340 including a second mechanical connector 341 and a second electrical contact 342. First electrical contact 322 is operatively coupled to first electrode 310, and second electrical contact 342 is operatively coupled to second electrode 311. The second tray member 400 includes: a first connection member 420 comprising a first mechanical connector 421 and a first electrical contact 422; and a second connection member 440 comprising a second mechanical connector 441 and a second electrical contact 442. First electrical contact 422 is operatively coupled to second electrode 411, and second electrical contact 442 is operatively coupled to first electrode 410.

As can be seen, the first tray component 300 is intended to be coupled to the power component 100 such that the first electrical contact 322 is coupled to a negative terminal of a power source and the second electrical contact 342 is coupled to a positive terminal of the power source. Thus, for the first tray component 300, the first electrode 310 is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode 311 is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source. Of course, this may be reversed in the manner mentioned above, and may depend on the particular material of the

electrodes

310, 311 and the particular therapy being provided.

Further, the second tray component 400 is intended to be coupled to the power component 100 such that the first electrical contact 422 is coupled to a positive terminal of a power source and the second electrical contact 442 is coupled to a negative terminal of the power source. Thus, for the second tray component 400, the first electrode 410 is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode 411 is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source. Of course, this may be reversed in the manner mentioned above, and may depend on the particular material of the

electrodes

410, 411 and the particular therapy being provided.

Thus, it should be appreciated that

tray components

300, 400 that are identical to one another except for differences in the materials of the electrodes may be used with the same power component 100 to provide different treatments to the user. The

tray components

300, 400 may each be coupled to the power component 100 in any of the configurations described above (i.e., the first attachment configuration or the second attachment configuration) based on the desired polarity of the electrodes of the tray components.

Ranges are used throughout as a shorthand way of describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oral treatment device, comprising:

a power component comprising a housing having a cavity and a power source located in the cavity;

a tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel, a first electrode operatively coupled to a first electrical contact, and a second electrode operatively coupled to a second electrical contact, the first and second electrodes being located on opposite sides of the tooth-receiving channel; and is

Wherein the tray component is detachably coupled to the power component in a configuration: (1) a first configuration whereby the first electrical contact is operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source and the second electrical contact is operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source; and (2) a second configuration whereby the first electrical contact is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrical contact is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

2. The oral treatment device of claim 1, wherein changing the coupling between the tray member and the power member from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises detaching the tray member from the power member and then reattaching the tray member to the power member in a different, related configuration.

3. The oral treatment device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein changing the coupling between the tray member and the electrical component from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises detaching the tray member from the electrical component, rotating one of the tray member and the electrical component 180 ° relative to the other of the tray member and the electrical component, and then reattaching the tray member to the electrical component.

4. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the housing of the electrical component comprises a first engagement surface and the tray component comprises a second engagement surface that mates with the first engagement surface when the tray component is attached to the electrical component.

5. The oral treatment device of claim 4, further comprising first and second connection cavities formed in the first engagement surface of the housing of the power component, a third electrical contact located within the first connection cavity and operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source, and a fourth electrical contact located within the second connection cavity and operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source, wherein the first electrical contact of the tray component contacts one of the third and fourth electrical contacts to operatively couple the first electrode to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power source, and wherein the second electrical contact of the tray component contacts the other of the third and fourth electrical contacts to operatively couple the second electrode to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power source Thereby, the number of the parts can be reduced.

6. The oral treatment device of claim 5, further comprising first and second connection bumps extending from the second engagement surface of the tray, the first electrical contact being located on the first connection bump and the second electrical contact being located on the second connection bump, and wherein the first connection bump is disposed within one of the first and second connection cavities and the second connection bump is disposed within the other of the first and second connection cavities to couple the tray component to the power component.

7. The oral treatment device of claim 1, further comprising:

the tray member includes:

a first mechanical connector along which the first electrical contact is positioned; and

a second mechanical connector along which the second electrical contact is positioned;

the housing of the power component includes:

a third mechanical connector along which a third electrical contact operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source is positioned; and

a fourth mechanical connector along which is positioned a fourth electrical contact operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source.

8. The oral treatment device of claim 7, further comprising:

wherein in the first configuration, the first mechanical connector is coupled to the third mechanical connector such that the first electrical contact is in contact with the third electrical contact, and the second mechanical connector is coupled to the fourth mechanical connector such that the second electrical contact is in contact with the fourth electrical contact; and is

Wherein in the second configuration, the first mechanical connector is coupled to the fourth mechanical connector such that the first electrical contact is in contact with the fourth electrical contact, and the second mechanical connector is coupled to the third mechanical connector such that the second electrical contact is in contact with the third electrical contact.

9. The oral treatment device of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first and second mechanical connectors comprise ridges extending from a rear surface of the tray component, and wherein the third and fourth mechanical connectors comprise cavities configured to receive one of the ridges.

10. The oral treatment device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first bump extending from a rear surface of the tray member, the first electrical contact being exposed on a distal end of the first bump;

a second bump extending from a rear surface of the tray member, the second electrical contact being exposed on a distal end of the second bump;

a first connection cavity formed in the housing of the power component, a third electrical contact operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source being located on a bottom of the first connection cavity;

a second connection cavity formed in the housing of the power component, a fourth electrical contact operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source being located on a bottom of the second connection cavity;

wherein in the first configuration, the first bump is disposed within the first connection cavity and the first electrical contact contacts the third electrical contact, and the second bump is disposed within the second connection cavity and the second electrical contact contacts the fourth electrical contact; and is

Wherein in the second configuration, the first bump is disposed within the second connection cavity and the first electrical contact contacts the fourth electrical contact, and the second bump is disposed within the first connection cavity and the second electrical contact contacts the third electrical contact.

11. An oral treatment device, comprising:

a tray component, the tray component comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode located on opposite sides of the teeth receiving channel; a first connection member comprising a first mechanical connector and a first electrical contact operatively coupled to the first electrode; and a second connection member comprising a second mechanical connector and a second electrical contact operatively coupled to the second electrode;

a power component, the power component comprising: a cavity that houses a power source; a third connection member comprising a third mechanical connector and a third electrical contact operatively coupled to a positive terminal of the power source; and a fourth connection member comprising a third mechanical connector and a fourth electrical contact operatively coupled to a negative terminal of the power source;

wherein the tray component and the power component are removably coupled together and are changeable between: (1) a first assembly configuration whereby (a) the first and third connection members mate such that the first and third mechanical connectors are coupled together and the first and third electrical contacts contact to couple the first electrode to the positive terminal of the power source, and (b) the second and fourth connection members mate such that the second and fourth mechanical connectors are coupled together and the second and fourth electrical contacts contact to couple the second electrode to the negative terminal of the power source; (2) a second assembly configuration whereby (a) the first and fourth connection members mate such that the first and fourth mechanical connectors are coupled together and the first and fourth electrical contacts contact to couple the first electrode to the negative terminal of the power source, and (b) the second and third connection members mate such that the second and third mechanical connectors are coupled together and the second and third electrical contacts contact to couple the second electrode to the positive terminal of the power source; and (3) a disassembled configuration whereby the tray component and the power component are separated from each other.

12. The oral treatment device of claim 11, wherein the first and second mechanical connectors comprise the same one of a bump and a cavity, and the third and fourth mechanical connectors comprise the other of the bump and the cavity.

13. The oral treatment device of claim 12, wherein the first and second mechanical connectors comprise the ridges along which the first and second electrical contacts are exposed, and wherein the third and fourth mechanical connectors comprise the cavities within which the third and fourth electrical contacts are recessed relative to an outer surface of the power component.

14. The oral treatment device of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein changing the coupling between the tray component and the electrical component from the first attachment configuration to the second attachment configuration comprises detaching the tray component from the electrical component, rotating one of the tray component and the electrical component 180 ° relative to the other of the tray component and the electrical component, and then reattaching the tray component to the electrical component.

15. An oral treatment kit, comprising:

a power component comprising a housing having a cavity and a power source located in the cavity, the power source comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

a first tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel defined between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, a first electrode positioned along the inner sidewall, and a second electrode positioned along the outer sidewall; and

a second tray component comprising a tooth-receiving channel defined between an inner side wall and an outer side wall, a first electrode positioned along the inner side wall and a second electrode positioned along the outer side wall;

wherein at least one of the following is present:

the first electrode of the first tray part is formed of a different material than the first electrode of the second tray part, an

The second electrode of the second tray part is formed of a different material than the second electrode of the second tray part;

wherein the first tray component is detachably coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power source; and is

Wherein the second tray component is detachably coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power source.

16. The oral treatment kit according to claim 15 wherein the first tray component is configured to be coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source, and wherein the second tray component is configured to be coupled to the power component such that the first electrode is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

17. The oral treatment kit according to claim 15 wherein the coupling of each of the first and second tray components to the power component is changeable between: (1) a first configuration whereby the first electrode is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source; and (2) a second configuration whereby the first electrode is operatively coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

18. The oral treatment kit according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the first and second tray components comprise a protuberance that is received within a cavity of the power component when the first and second tray components are coupled to the power component, and wherein the first and second tray parts comprise electrical contacts positioned along the raised portion, and the power component includes electrical contacts located within the cavity that are operatively coupled to the positive and negative terminals of the power source, respectively, such that when the first and second tray components are coupled to the power component, the electrical contacts of the first and second tray parts are in contact with the electrical contacts of the power part, to couple the first and second electrodes of the first and second tray components to the power source.

19. The oral treatment kit according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein mechanically coupling the first tray component to the electrical component electrically couples the first and second electrodes of the first tray component to the power source, and wherein mechanically coupling the second tray component to the electrical component electrically couples the first and second electrodes of the second tray component to the power source.

20. The oral treatment kit according to any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein the first and second trays are structurally identical except for differences in the first and second materials of the first and second electrodes.